A-Fusion

Quirky Pan-Asian food in Amsterdam

Offering food from all over Asia, the sushi bar and open kitchen are the centrepieces of the dining room. There is a real buzz, partially because of the open kitchen and the interaction between cooks and guests at the sushi bar, partially because of the relatively tight spacing between the tables.

A-Fusion’s owners, the Lin sisters, grew up in the Netherlands and wanted to create a restaurant that pays tribute to their Cantonese heritage, while also looking elsewhere for inspiration. This means that a meal here can include some sushi, dim sum and even Vietnamese dishes. The food served at A-Fusion is certainly not incredibly refined fare, but there is a sense of vibrancy to it that is hugely enjoyable. Favourites are scallop sashimi with sesame, and steamed oysters with black bean sauce.

Given that the restaurant is open all-day, it’s the perfect spot for some nibbles and drinks in an unpretentious atmosphere. Don’t expect the meal of a lifetime at A-Fusion, but solid food in an unpretentious environment.

For a country with a rich culinary history, China does not value people working in gastronomy and hospitality. Since 1949, being a chef or waiter has been seen as the job of those unable to do something else, and until very recently one hardly heard of chefs making a name for themselves. Thankfully, this is slowly changing.